From Brookings to the United Nations, there are a number of institutions important to the creation and implementation of U.S. foreign policy. Here are a number of profiles from About U.S. Foreign Policy:
American Enterprise Institute
The American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research (AEI) is an independent, conservative, pro-business think tank that solicits support via contributions from corporations, foundations and individuals. Founded in the early 40's, AEI originally served as the spokesperson of big business by promoting and proving argumentation for free market ideals.Brookings Institution
The Brookings Institution is one of America's leading institutions for providing research and recommendations directly applicable to U.S. government policies and roles in a variety of issue areas. In 1960, Brookings opened a large new office building near DuPont Circle in Washington, DC. The area is now home to a number of other "think tanks."Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace (CEIP) is one of America's leading institutions for researching and analyzing international affairs and making recommendations for U.S. foreign policy. The CEIP, with over 100 employees, is headquartered in Washington, DC with office in four other countries.Center for American Progress
The Center for American Progress (CAP) is an influential American think tank based in Washington, DC. The liberal, progressive center engages in research and advocacy on policy issues. By their definition, a progressive is "...someone who is idealistic enough to believe that things can be better and pragmatic enough to get it done.
Citizens Groups
Photo: U.S. Navy/Foehl
Can private citizens have an impact on U.S. foreign policy? Of course. The ballot box is one direct route, but there are other ways to make your voice heard.
Congress
Photo: White House/Bohrer
Congress controls the purse strings, so they have a lot of influence over all kinds of federal issues - including foreign policy. Most important is the oversight role played by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the House International Relations Committee.
Council on Foreign Relations
The council, often referred to as CFR, is a very old and very prestigious group of Americans actively engaged in shaping U.S. foreign policy at a professional and/or academic level. The membership includes almost every prominent name in U.S. foreign policy including most presidents and secretaries of state over the last 75 years.Defense Department
Photo: Defense/Dunaway
The U.S. Department of Defense is responsible for leading and administering all American military forces and support operations. The department directs and coordinates the activities of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines in war fighting, peacekeeping, disaster relief, humanitarian aid, and homeland security.
Executive Branch
Photo: White House
The President of the United States has broad power to direct U.S. foreign policy. But who helps? And what are the limits?
